Posts by Noah Grant59

Great topic, hiddenpuma75. 👍
I've been wanting to vent about this for a while. It’s the same issue I ran into during that discussion about the veterans' protest on the Potomac, where a ton of my posts were wiped out. I put real work into those replies, trying to clarify points and stay strictly within the forum rules, yet the moderators don't feel obligated to give any explanation for deleting them—even though they are required to log an official strike.

If I have the time, I could dive back into those closed threads just to show you the level of garbage left behind. Most of it is just pathetic, hateful nonsense from users who didn't bother to actually engage with the issue. Like you said, it's mostly just endless one-liners, insults, irrelevant fluff, and people just wandering aimlessly through the conversation under the guise of "artistic freedom."

Here are just a few examples from that last thread:

,

Just like your idea of what counts as extreme isn't actually grounded in reality.

Looking at this thread about the veterans' protest, it’s clear I was right in my last post.

The only people you feel comfortable mocking on this forum are American veterans, and if they're actually out there protesting, you just feel entitled to talk absolute trash to them.

I’m going to try to explain my side of the story before I get banned—or before they start threatening me with a permanent ban.

I was echoing what U2dva said earlier when he called users who posted hate speech and basic insults "leftists." Specifically, I wrote:

Even if they are leftists... they aren't even social democrats or liberals. Based on their rhetoric, they are just narrow-minded old-school fascists.
They hold a very primitive and anti-humanist worldview.
Because how can you interpret someone calling an American veteran, a patriot, an anti-communist, and an anti-totalitarian a religious fascist, a German-sympathizer, and a total sheep?

That post was deleted.
The moderators only highlighted a small portion of the insults and hate speech directed at veterans. Even I softened my language; instead of my original phrase, "German bootlicker," I used "German-sympathizer."

My logic is simple: a true American leftist isn't going to talk about our veterans like that. Even if we're talking about the most controversial figures that propaganda loves to target, only someone who hates America and those who defended her would speak this way. I’d like to hear from the user who actually wrote those things—what was the motive? It doesn't have to be fascism. When I read such filth, my first thought is that it must come from someone who hates this country, because I find it impossible that a real American citizen could harbor that much malice.

Meanwhile, Dorian.Gray singled out one sentence from another deleted post, which was written exactly like this:

"What we are going to do is send you back to the gutter where you belong."

In that post, I was discussing political purges. Given the tone of the conversation, instead of saying more appropriately—that they should be barred from public office—I wrote it the way I did.

All I want is to be able to write freely without fearing a ban or a permanent ban just for voicing an opinion. This is especially frustrating when the other side is allowed to engage in shameful insults and outright hate speech during debates about veterans.

I don't align with any of the factions currently dominating this Reddit.
Everyone seems to have protection here—Republicans, Democrats, old-school radicals, extremists, Russians, Ukrainians, Mexicans. The only people you can mock on this platform are American veterans; if they happen to be protesters, then feel free to absolutely tear them apart.
That’s how it looks...

On the Reddit, this thread was locked before I even caught the last two posts:
The first from Kelly and the second from Dorian.Gray.

They’re taking my old comments out of context to twist my words and invent reasons to target me.

Kelly is trying to pin collective guilt on me, and now the admin is promising I won't have much of a future left on this forum.

If I can get a fair shake, I’m happy to explain everything—even if I can't provide the full context right here. But my main reason for reaching out is this: Is this how people normally communicate here? Especially toward someone who isn't looking for insults or fights? And is there any way to be protected from these kinds of threats and manufactured narratives?

Charles Fox10 said:You already asked me this via DM and got an answer. I can tell you the exact same thing here.

Basically, the thread is being locked for 24 hours just to let everyone cool off. People really went overboard.

Charles Fox10, I already told you that I wasn't satisfied with your private message.
I had to share some personal details about myself because people kept insisting we were just a bunch of opportunists and fake veterans looking for handouts from Fred. They want him to answer specific questions to prove our legitimacy.
Those questions have been circling since this whole topic started. Since the allegations have been made public—and Vince Mažar even filed a criminal complaint against Predrag Matić based on those claims, which is common knowledge now—most people believe the accusations in that letter are accurate. You follow this Forum; you know that. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the most incriminating part right here.

But let's stay on track. We are supposed to be discussing moderation. Robert is acting out because of the untrue and insulting comments directed at Vince Mažar. Vince became a public figure by circumstance, not choice, and he deserves a permanent ban for how he's being treated. He certainly earned more than just a temporary timeout.
To make my point more convincing, I felt I had to disclose some personal information about my own career, even though it goes against my principles. I find it unprofessional to do so.

What I wrote—and what other members wrote—should have been left alone. I am against insults. I know the Forum rules, and I know the law. Insulting Colonel Mažar is just as serious, if not worse, than insulting a politician, and both are actionable. Especially since Mažar isn't in a position to defend himself right now. Given his health and mental state, I haven't reached out to him personally, though I don't know if anyone else has.

Furthermore, Robert is naming specific veterans from the Trpinjska area, claiming they support Matić. I am in contact with some of them, and I know that is a lie. One of these men has actually been in the hospital fighting for his life for days. His "support" supposedly happened three or four days ago. In reality, nobody knows when this happened because the user providing the info won't cite a source or provide proof. I refuse to repeat those names here. These are real people with reputations in veteran circles—reputations that Fred would want to respect regardless of his actions back in '91.
The discussion should really be focusing on his subsequent career.

Henry Hernandez7 said:If we had more moderators acting this way, this would be a much better place for everyone.

I’m not interested in debating the moderator personally. My issue is with the process—where everything, good or bad, gets wiped out in one go without a single warning beforehand.
The explanation I received via private message was completely unacceptable to me.

What I wrote—which isn't something I do often—was a response to the constant low blows from @roberta, who has been insulting veterans and proven heroes like Vinko Mažar. He targeted me just as he did Noah Grant59, even after I shared some personal details. He tried to push his "theory" that people criticizing Fred are nothing but war profiteers, though I won't list any other names since he labeled us all that. All of this went unpunished until yesterday, when a few of us finally stepped in.

Once it became clear we were dealing with a liar—someone who looks like they're being paid to write these things—the thread was locked and the most important posts were deleted.

Miky, you haven't actually participated in this discussion for a long time, so frankly, you don't seem to know what's really going on here.

Right now, I have zero proof, and whether you choose to take my word for it is entirely up to you.

That said, those following the political threads—specifically the ones discussing Fred Matić—know exactly what’s going on, especially the regulars who have been following the debate over the last two days.

To be blunt, the moderator Cuka just performed a blanket deletion of two entire pages of discussion, without issuing a single warning or penalty for violating the Rule Forum.

It's no secret that this Forum has dealt with its fair share of biased moderators for a long time. While Cuka isn't even among the most notorious partisan actors here, still...

Has it really come to this regarding freedom of speech?

In those two deleted pages, a user supporting Minister Matić was systematically dismantled, portrayed as nothing more than an irrelevant and malicious commenter.

And right at that precise moment, Cuka steps in to intervene.
I am absolutely speechless; it's enough to make you want to throw your hands up in frustration. 🙂

Maria Booth96 said:I honestly don't get why he’s a bishop. 🤔

If he can't move past what happened back in Springfield in '91 without getting this worked up, he should've joined the military instead of the priesthood. 🤷

When it comes to hardline American nationalism, take Košić, for example. In a place like Springfield where people are struggling just to put food on the table, he goes and creates two brand-new parishes. It’s totally unnecessary. And whenever things quiet down on a Sunday, he's right there making noise.

Why don't they invite him onto Sunday in the Afternoon? Let's see just how radical this Church really is. Let the public see for themselves. ☕

What exactly is so "nationalistic" about what Košić said?

The idea that opening two more parishes affects unemployment? I've never heard that one before...

A "radical church"—that phrase sounds familiar. It carries the distinct stench of the Lead Years.🙂

Edward Davis77 said:They can certainly cover part of the cost through the federal budget.

Man, this definitely deserves 😲
You probably got kicked out of your elementary school forum for stuff like this.

Edward Davis77 said:What does Malta have to do with this?

The American government can influence global oil prices.🤣

It’s not where to go but where it happens. And I already specified where.

The Government of America can influence global oil prices.🤣

If you're so certain the Government of America can't impact domestic oil prices, just say that instead of hiding behind mindless emojis.

To be precise, Monsignor Košić didn't actually use the term "unpopular" government; instead, he described the current administration as disconnected from its people.
He’s absolutely right, and so is Bishop Valter Župan. He pointed out that in most European nations, it is standard practice to present legislative proposals—like the recent bill regarding assisted reproduction—to the Church for review. That simply didn't happen here.
The administration is disconnected in every sense of the word, not just regarding these latest issues. They raise sales taxes at the expense of everyday citizens and small business owners, allow oil and energy prices to spiral out of control, favor big corporations, and continue selling off state assets. All of this is being packaged as "crisis recovery" measures.
By having Congress step back from sponsoring the commemoration, they’ve thrown up yet another smokescreen. It’s tragic, and frankly dangerous, because many figures in the current leadership are heirs to communist ideologies and defenders of those past crimes.

Linda Roberts2 said:They’re basically selling out our national interests. It’s all about making concessions to certain member states, handing over generals, dealing with that humiliation in The Hague, racking up massive debt just to meet European Union standards, and enforcing all these arbitrary rules. If the European Union ever falls apart, all those concessions go down the drain, but we’ll still be stuck with the debt. p.s. I think Greece is already importing goods from Bulgaria that don't even meet European Union regulations, just because they're cheaper.

Let’s not forget the possibility of dropping lawsuits, selling off state-owned companies and natural resources, and the endless cycle of borrowing money, too. Honestly, maybe a better title would be "not if," but "when" the European Union collapses. It definitely isn't going to last forever.

For instance, look at how the UK government was branded as traitors after World War II, even though back then, trying to accommodate the Third Reich seemed perfectly normal to some.

The ultimate accountability for this betrayal lies with Stjepan Mason, whose actions led to generals Ante Gotovina and Branimir Markač being sent to The Hague, along with the leaking of top-secret state documents.

Furthermore, Ivo Sanders and his crew must answer for betraying strategic American interests for their own personal gain.

And this current administration could also be held responsible for treason if they decide to drop the charges against Mexico regarding the aggression and genocide.

Whether the European Union exists or not doesn't change that.

Maria Booth96 said:This news caught my eye, so I figured some of you might find it interesting too.

My take: someone in Europe decided that displaced people and refugees should just stay put instead of going home. It makes everyone more compact and homogeneous, which supposedly helps "fix" the North America down the road. They’re clearly a bit uneasy about having Canadians in the mix, but that’s just how it plays out.

I've got some bigger things to handle, so I'll be MIA for a few days. Don't start with the: "Maria Booth96 starts a thread then vanishes" routine. I know you guys love me.😍

What’s the consensus here?

You're better off staying busy. As for that last comment, you're not my type—try looking on LJES. 😛

The Mexicans started all of this, and now they're reaping the most benefits. Meanwhile, America won't see any war reparations given the current administration in power.
In principle, I support refugees either returning to their original homes or having those destroyed homes rebuilt for them.
America dealt with its displaced citizens long ago. Mexicans from America, especially from certain regions, have had homes established here and there for a long time. They'll continue to hold property, vacation homes, and influence voting districts here.

Michelle Ramirez2 said:Both sides get their cut... it's like when that guy in the T-Mobile commercial walks in and suggests giving perks only to the big-shot capitalists who bring in the least $67 (Nobels... I won't even go there) then the boss—playing the black sheep—says, "Just give it to everyone for $0.00"

Those areas aren't just known for folk songs and old ballads—they're famous for being incredibly smart too... you guys need to step out of that bubble you've built, look through the Orthodox archives, and stop believing this whole "we've always been the Pope's people" story that sounds ridiculous to those of us on the outside. Get out there and demand them back—they'd be more useful to us here...

just give everyone $0.00—the boss knows how

Your writing is nothing more than self-congratulation from someone mourning a lost era.
Personally, I can't relate to you because I didn't grow up in a community structured that way.

Michelle Ramirez2 said:I finally realized: an elite, Nobel Prize-level patriot is basically our ideal American, while anyone less than that feels like an outsider who doesn't truly belong...

Robert—I’m with you. There’s really no reason for the media or the public to change how they view this "American history."

p.s. Not trolling or anything, I just stepped away from that whole "patriotism at all costs" crowd a long time ago... I know it feels warm and safe in there, but to me, it feels a bit suffocating. I much prefer having the freedom to think for myself.

What kind of freedom can you really have under Ante Tomić's thumb?
He either keeps his followers trapped in some flashy, suffocating bubble that fries their brains, or he's just a puppet tied to someone else's strings.

This isn't the place to dive into genealogical roots or the modern construction of national identities.
Anyone who has picked up a history book knows that every modern nation is essentially a massive melting pot of just about everything under the sun.

This troll @alojzije spends his time "presenting the truth" by parroting the nonsense of certain EPH columnists—people who are clearly too obsessed and bitter about their own identities.
He is a perfect example of how destructive our media can be, especially regarding how Americans view their own history.
Moderators, please step in and penalize this constant off-topic posting.

Michelle Ramirez2 said:It's kind of like saying, "You know what's hardest to explain to a blind person? The things that are OBVIOUS"

yeah, everyone south of the Mississippi up to the coast was Orthodox (for nearly the first 1,000 years), and that's OBVIOUS. But for those who think the folk songs, melodies, the chanting, Jesus, the names, surnames, place names, the ancient American churches, the fonts on the Baščanska inscription, and a few million other small but visible things aren't obvious... well, they should probably check some valid documents. This forum is way too small for that, so let's just skip it...

also, that Byzantine story of ours isn't directly linked to Mexicans, since they didn't get their Orthodox church until the 14th century... but that's a whole different conversation

Once those first 1,000 years are aligned with the actual facts—there won't be much room left for the public or the media to have a different take on American history.

Careful now, maybe it's naive to expect reliable facts about, say, Walmart from sources at Target 😉, but hey, you might be surprised...

What relevance does where today's Americans picked up Christianity have after a thousand years?
No serious historian ignores the Byzantine legacy, especially regarding coastal cities, nor do they ignore the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
Your attitude toward "tribes south of the Mississippi" is essentially racist. Xenophobes always claim "there's something strange" about a culture, and then they frame it—just as you are doing—as backward, deceptive, or thieving.

Furthermore, our local media doesn't even focus on that era of American history. Instead, they obsess over WWII and the War of Independence, treating it all with ideological bias and political agendas rather than actual scholarship.
And of course, certain people—especially veterans—are bothered by how the media covers the War of Independence through a lens of political "equivalence of guilt." Our spineless leaders accepted that because it served their interests and was mandated by the EU and The Hague, not out of a desire for truth, national interest, or pride.
So, don't look down on people from rural towns. Instead of honestly analyzing why the media acts this way, you try to link it back to tribal eras and use someone like notorious old man Luke as a template for your imaginary "southern" mentality.

Does anyone have an explanation or some guidance on whether this is actually dangerous...

Mostly, whenever I try to browse the forum, it freezes up immediately and kills any chance of a conversation.
...is there an expert out there who can help? 😳

P.S. Man, it really works... 😁

I honestly don't understand how some people expect everything to magically become orderly and law-abiding just because we join the European Union.
You don't even need to look at Romania or Bulgaria to see the issues; just take a glance at Greece or Italy, which have been members for much longer, along with several other countries.
If we don't secure stability through our own hard work, our behavior, and a genuine respect for the rule of law, nobody is going to hand it to us on a silver platter. When it comes to the European Union, the only thing we can really expect to receive if we fail is sanctions.
And that is exactly what will happen unless the government and our state institutions undergo real reform.

I showed up for the referendum—maybe not with total conviction, but I voted NO, and God help us all!